Mesa Air Group Announces Senior Management Changes

Mesa Air Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: MESA) announced a series of management changes and additions to help address the requirements of its recent growth.

Jameson Año has been named Vice President of United Express Operations. He previously served as Vice President of Inflight Services at Mesa since 2016. Prior to joining Mesa’s executive staff, Año was at United Airlines for over 25 years where he held numerous operational management positions including Senior Manager of United Express Operations.

Amber Wansten has been promoted to Vice President of Inflight Services. Wansten’s previous role was Director of Corporate Communications and Travel, where she also oversaw Inflight Recruiting. Wansten has been with Mesa for over 17 years serving in various roles throughout the Company.

“We are delighted to have Jameson dedicated to United Express and our United partnership,” said Jonathan Ornstein, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Mesa. “With his extensive knowledge of the United Airlines brand, we are confident he is the ideal person to oversee this critically important relationship,” said Ornstein, “Additionally, Amber has been a key ‘go-to person’ at Mesa, and we look forward to her continued leadership and creativity in this new role,” stated Ornstein.

Charles “Cody” Thomas has been named Vice President of Operations Control and Planning. In this role, Thomas will continue with his previous duties in crew planning and scheduling and will now also oversee Systems Operation Control (SOC). Thomas has been with Mesa since 2015 and most recently held the position of Vice President of Planning.

John Collins has been promoted to Director of United Express Operations, where he will focus his attention to daily operations and performance. Collins has been with the company for 14 years, primarily focused on the operation in roles as Dispatch Duty Manager and Manager of Crew Resources.

Jeff Rahkola has been promoted to Director of American Eagle Operations, where he will maintain focus on daily operations and performance. Rahkola began his career at Mesa in 2007 as a dispatcher and has been a Dispatch Duty Manager since 2015.

Mesa also announced the promotion of David Niles to Director of Operations Planning & Analysis. Niles has been with Mesa since 2011 with over seven years in operational planning and analysis. He previously worked in the planning department for US Airways.

“These promotions will help build the management foundation we need to continue the significant growth we have experienced over the last five years,” said Mike Ferverda, Chief Operating Officer. “Each one of these individuals has played a critical role in our success,” said Ferverda.